Both Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines on the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth were successfully operated on the 7th of December in the presence of Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence during a visit to the Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland.
The MT30 is the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine in service today, each delivering around 50,000 horse power to propel the 65,000-tonne ship. The start-up of the gas turbines, also known as the ‘light-off’, marks a significant part of the commissioning programme for the ship.
Jon Pearson, Aircraft Carrier Alliance, HMS Queen Elizabeth Delivery Director, said: “The commissioning of both gas turbines marks an important milestone in the commissioning phase of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Everyone is incredibly proud to be delivering the nation’s flagship and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to show the Defence Secretary the progress we’re making as we look towards handing the ship over to the Royal Navy.”
Don Roussinos, Rolls-Royce, President – Naval said: “Rolls-Royce is extremely proud of the successful light-off of the MT30 Main Turbine Generator Sets aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. The MT30 is the most powerful in-service marine gas turbine, and together with the Type 26, it will power the Royal Navy’s future fleet for decades to come.
“I would like to congratulate the ACA team on reaching this significant milestone and look forward to seeing our gas turbines power this magnificent ship to sea in around a year from now.”
The HMS Queen Elizabeth has two Rolls-Royce 36MW MT30 Gas Turbine Alternators (GTA) weighing a total of 120 tonnes. These supply high-voltage power to the four propulsion motors which provide the power needed to turn the propellers and drive the 65,000 tonne ship through the water at speeds in excess of 25 knots.
They also power 13 ship service transformers. These distribute low-voltage power to the weapons systems, mission systems equipment and navigation systems, as well as power to the hotel services required to run the ships. The combination of Gas Turbine and Diesel driven generators will produce 109 megawatts – enough to power a town of 200,000 people.
Rolls-Royce is also providing adjustable bolted propellers and shaftlines, steering gear and rudders, retractable stabilisers, thrust blocks and bearings and the vessel’s low voltage electrical distribution system.
The MT30 has been selected to power the most modern and advanced vessels in the Royal Navy including the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as well as future Type 26 Global Combat Ship. The MT30 has also been chosen by the US Navy, to power the Freedom Class Littoral Combat Ship and the Zumwalt class multi-mission destroyers as well as the Republic of Korea Navy’s FFX Batch II frigate.
Rolls-Royce is part of a Power and Propulsion ‘sub-alliance’ team comprising Thales UK, GE Power Conversion and L3 UK which has overall responsibility for delivery of the entire power and propulsion system.
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